Science Operations Statistics: RA distributions

The figures on this page summarize the RA distributions for planned and executed queue
programs during semesters 2006B-2008B at Gemini North and
South. Only science observations are
included in the distributions of planned and executed observations. The distributions show the number of
hours worth of observations at each RA. Programs that were withdrawn
have been excluded from the distributions. Template observations for
ToO (Target of Opportunity) programs are not included as these in general contain no RA
information.

On each figure the approximate available time (number of hours) is
shown. This is
the absolute maximum number of hours that can be executed, without any
loss to weather or technical problems, and no time for calibrations or
engineering on the sky. The sum of the average weather loss, technical loss and engineering time accounts for around 40% of the total time - see figure 1 on the main statistics page for details. While the science observations typically can
be executed within an hour angle of +- 3hours, it is quite clear that
in some cases the planned observations cannot realistically be executed
within the available time. This is particularly the case for GN2006B-2008B
at RA=12-14h. This RA range includes both the North Galactic Pole and
the HDF-N.

PIs with programs in band 3 and with flexibility in target
selection are encouraged to use the information in these figures for
selection of alternative targets at RAs in less demand from band 1 and
2. As for all target change requests, these need to be submitted for
approval to the local Head of Science Operations, see the change request
page for details.